Life is a Collection of Gems

Life is a Collection of Gems

Precious stones made up of various minerals

At first glance we may only see the shiny, more perfect, colourful ones

We say to ourselves, “Oh that was a good thing that happened there”

We look at the small black ones, the lumpy brown ones

Their shapes mishappen by the broken end pieces

We come with unseeing eyes

We say to ourselves, “Oh, that was a horrible time, such a painful time”

We may even kick the sand up over them, running away from what they represent

Jesus invites us to let our eyes be filled with generous light

Look at each gem through a wider lens

For each gem is made up of seasons

Places that brought weeping, times of healing and joy

Even unresolved experiences

Where we are pressured to love and attend to ourselves in the presence of God

Finding the gem of truth that we must attend to our own selves

Not spend our lives looking for someone else to do this deep work

Each gem contributing to who we have become and who we are becoming

Adding wisdom through acceptance and letting things be as they are

Holding our gems, all them, with tenderness

Allowing tears to fall upon them, whether tears of joy or sorrow

Clearing away our blindness

Yes, life is a collection of gems

As we honour each one, they find themselves a place

In the whole of our lives

Kept in the grace pages of the story God is writing